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Some of the veterans in the story As of 2012 more than 35 veterans, historians, sons and daughters relevant to the story, have joined the project. Included are men and women who served in the United States Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Army Air Corps, and veterans of the Afrika-Korps. With ongoing research, even as time runs out, additional veterans continue to contribute. Pictured below are just a few of the original participants.
Navy veteran Gene Johnson
Navy veteran Gene Johnson pictured (right), and son Gary (left), Photo from the USS West Virginia Reunion in Minneapolis, MN in May 2001 Gene survived the bombing and torpedo attack of 3 ships; the West Virginia sunk at Pearl Harbor in 1941, the USS Lexington sunk in the Coral Sea in 1942, and the torpedo attack and bombing of the USS Thomas Stone in North Africa 1942-43.
Gene as he appeared as a Seaman sometime in 1941-42. He later became a coxswain when he was on the Thomas Stone in North West Africa in 1942-43. In November and December of 1942, he and Coast Guardsman Anthony Fraticelli, were aboard the Stone after it was washed onto the beach (from a violent storm), near the harbor in Algiers. As the ship lay incapacitated, they repelled repeated attacks by German JU 87's (Stuka Dive Bombers), and JU 88 bombers. At one point Gene remembers leaning over the side of the ship, and seeing a tremendous crater in the sand. There was a hugh hole in the hull of the ship where a bomb had passed directly through, lodging itself in the sand. Gene passed away Sept. 26th 2008.
Gene (on the far right), with his buddies in Algiers
39th Regiment, 9th Division veteran, Joe Barnett
Joe Barnett - 1940 (before going to
war)
Admired and respected by all of his men,
Joe became a platoon sergeant and guided his men through many tight
situations. He also saved several civilian lives as well. To this day, Joe
attributes his survival on one thing alone; his absolute faith in God
almighty. Joe was awarded a Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Service
Cross. One of Joe's closest friends, Ed Garvey, was recommended by Joe to
take charge of a platoon that lost it's leader during the nightmare at EL
Guettar. Joe's first son Edwin, was named after Ed Garvey. Edwin wrote an
excellent manuscript documenting his fathers actions all through the war.
Edwin's book, entitled "Green Banana Stories", is an absolutely fine
collection documenting some of the history of the 39th Regiment, 9th
Division as it relates to his father's personal
stories.
Joe Barnett (on the right), and his good friend Larry Faulkner (left), went through basic training and began their service career at Fort Thomas Kentucky (near Cincinnati). Later they were transferred to Fort Bragg NC, and helped form the 9th Infantry Division.
 Joe Barnett (shortly after the
war)
39th
Regiment, 9th Division veteran, Larry
Faulkner
After surviving the entire war from North Africa to Sicily,
and Europe,
(34 months), Larry re-enlisted,
(pictured here in Korea 1955) where he suffered a permanent injury to his
left eye.
 William M.
Bruckner (center), secretary of the Army, talks to Larry Faulkner during
honor guard review at Camp Zama, Japan in 1955.
In total, Larry received 3 bronze
stars, and 3 purple hearts for service to his country Larry was
affectionately nicknamed; "Trouble"
39th
Regiment, 9th Division veteran John
Sabato
 When John
Sabato received his orders to ship out on the Thomas Stone in 1942,
his furlough had been cancelled. John had planned on spending time with
his beloved new wife, Shirley. Despite his best efforts to stay out of
harm's way, John became an expert mortarman and marksman. His popular
reputation among officers and Generals made him a well respected officer. As a
WWII veteran seeing action in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, the Battle of Bulge
and Normandy, like other servicemen, he survived a terrible time. Everything from a torpedo
attack, malaria, bullets, sharpnel wounds, and the loss of many friends, his
only desire was to return to his Shirley. He was awarded 2 Purple Hearts, a Bronze
Star for valor, and a battlefield commission to 2nd Lieutenant. He was
a life long member and past president of the 9th Infantry Division
Association.
John passed away July 21st
2006
Coast Guard
veteran Anthony L. Fraticelli
Two weeks
before the war broke out, Anthony tried
to enlist in the Coast Guard but was turned down for having a few extra
pounds. Dec 7th 1941, changed that, and he successfully enlisted on Dec
10th 1941. He became an expert swimmer, and also received training on 20mm
anti-aircraft guns during the summer of 1942, (months before the Stone
shipped out). This training would prove invaluable as he and Navy veteran
Gene Johnson tried desperately to hold off attacking Stuka dive bombers who
targeted the helplessly beached Thomas Stone. During the war, the United
States Coast Guard came under direct management of the United States Navy.
The only difference between a Navy Seaman, and a Coast Guard Seaman was
the small Coast Guard shield worn on the right sleeve. The Coast Guard
specialized in the handling of small boats such as all types of landing
craft.
 Anthony passed away March
19th 1991
© Copyright
2007
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